Albuquerque City Council Meeting - June 2, 2025

The Albuquerque City Council held its 33rd meeting of the 26th Council on June 2, 2025, at 5:00 PM (local time). The meeting began with a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance. All nine councilors were present, with Councilor Grout joining via Zoom. The agenda included presentations on APD's language access program and the 2024 Public Art Census, a consent calendar, public comments, discussion and final action on several items, and administrative Q&A.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the May 19th journal unanimously.
• The letter of introduction was approved, including referral of R163 (adjusting FY2026 operating appropriations for planning department efficiency) to the Finance and Government Operations Committee (FGO) on a unanimous vote.
• The consent agenda was approved unanimously, with items EC353 (voucher task force implementation plan) and EC400 (ABQ Ride quarterly security report) pulled for separate discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Melissa Kaminsky and Kathy Sotello (Heading Home): Requested continued funding for the Job Connect program, which has enrolled 474 individuals and secured employment for 279 (59% success rate) since January 2023.
• Sonia Smith (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority): Highlighted the chapter's 50+ years of service and called for collaboration on affordable housing, economic stability, health, and education.
• Anami Das: Expressed concern about AI training using police body cam footage and urged the city to adopt responsible data use policies similar to Denver.
• Teresa Garcia and Dr. Lisa Christofferson: Urged advocacy for 200 Job Corps students facing sudden closure and displacement, warning of potential homelessness.
• David McKibben: Criticized National Guard militarization and drone surveillance, and called for support for Job Corps youth.
• Denise Mouniz Archiback (CABQ transit driver): Described escalating safety issues including verbal abuse, physical assaults, unsanitary conditions, drug activity, and lack of security on buses. She requested increased law enforcement presence, stricter passenger conduct enforcement, and a review of the free fare policy.
• Ilsa Beal: Raised concerns about the city's process for storing valuable items found during solid waste operations, asking for a clear SOP and better communication with owners.
• Multiple speakers (on hemp ordinance): A range of positions were expressed. Some urged a ban to protect children, while others argued the ordinance would hurt small businesses, create a black market, and cited pending federal regulation. Public comment on the hemp ordinance was divided.
• Alexandra Paisano (NM Coalition to End Homelessness): Urged support for maintaining funding for the 768 Help Homelessness Resource Line, calling it a critical access point for thousands in crisis.
• Don Greenby Hill (ACS violence intervention program): Reported discrimination, retaliation, and a toxic work environment, requesting council investigation.
• Other public comments addressed topics including the National Guard, city-owned property, transit issues, and personal appreciation for council actions.

Discussion Items

• APD Language Access Program Presentation: Deputy Chief JJ Griego and Language Access Coordinator Jocelyn Segovia presented data on the program. In 2024, APD identified 671 police reports with communication barriers (89% spoken language, 10% deaf/hard of hearing). Emergency Communications Center calls requiring interpretation rose from 10,007 in 2023 to 12,556 in 2024. Efforts include an ASL station at the Northeast substation, multilingual traffic tickets, and ongoing training. Councilors thanked the presenters and stressed the importance of continued resources.
• 2024 Public Art Census Presentation: Mandelin Sanchez (Public Art Outreach Coordinator) presented the census results, conducted in partnership with Bernalillo County and Rook. The census canvassed 20,000 linear miles and identified 11,364 works of art in public rights-of-way across Bernalillo County. The city's 1.5% for art program contributed 342 works valued at over $11 million over 46 years. The report identifies public art deserts and aims to inform future placement. Councilors requested additional data on property values and spending over the past four years.
• Item EC353 (Voucher Task Force Implementation Plan): Councilor Grout and Rogers praised the task force's progress and data-driven approach. Approved unanimously.
• Item EC400 (ABQ Ride Quarterly Security Report): Councilor Rogers asked about data gaps for APD, ACS, and Metro Security on specific routes, and noted that not all buses had automatic passenger counters at the time of the equity study. Deputy Director Davis confirmed counters are now on all buses. The report was received and noted unanimously.
• O78 (Intoxicating Hemp Products Ordinance): Councilor Lewis introduced the ordinance to ban the sale of synthetic/semi-synthetic intoxicating hemp products (like delta-8 THC) in retail establishments, targeting products marketed to children. Council debate focused on enforcement capacity, lab testing requirements, and the potential for preemption by state/federal action. The bill passed 7-2, with Councilors Feblecorn and Bassan voting no. Councilors noted that the ordinance does not affect state-regulated cannabis dispensaries or THC beverages in liquor stores.
• R130 (Capital Improvement Program Amendments): Councilor Grout presented the resolution to appropriate state funds and donations. Two technical amendments were approved unanimously: one added $525,000 from Bernalillo County and $5.5 million from Explora for the Briante Early Learning Center and STEM Learning Campus; the other corrected a total to $4,516,567. The resolution passed unanimously.
• R145 (Support Local Performing Arts): Councilor Baca moved to withdraw the bill, noting that the administration is now aligned on the issue. Withdrawal was approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• O78 (Hemp ban): Passed 7-2 (Councilors Feblecorn and Bassan opposed).
• R130 (Capital amendments): Passed unanimously as amended.
• R145 (Performing arts): Withdrawn unanimously.
• Consent agenda items: All approved unanimously, including the journal and letter of introduction.
• Administrative Q&A:
  • Code Enforcement provided details on the closure of six hotels, including the Barcelona Suites, citing extensive code violations, mold, and unsafe conditions. All residents were offered motel vouchers and services; six veterans were connected to the Veterans Integration Center.
  • The administration discussed the process for establishing Safe Outdoor Spaces on city-owned land, emphasizing that applications would go through the planning department and that liability, security, and consideration (potential rent) would be determined on a case-by-case basis.
  • National Guard deployment: Commander Vierz explained that guardsmen have completed training equivalent to a reduced version of Police Service Aids (PSAs), including radio procedures, traffic control, and perimeter security. They will carry only OC spray and will not be issued handcuffs or involved in use of force. They will assist at the Real-Time Crime Center, prisoner transport, and field perimeters. Councilors expressed concerns about community engagement, lack of translated materials, and the need for citywide town halls. The administration agreed to provide contact information for the National Guard and to improve future engagement.
  • Housing and Homelessness Department: Joseph Montoya answered questions about the RFI for affordable housing on city-owned lots, defining affordable as 80% AMI (e.g., $73,000 for a family of four), with a 30-year affordability period for rentals. The RFI primarily targets single-family homeownership, with no rental component. A soft second mortgage structure will be used to ensure long-term affordability.
  • Parks Department: Director Simon reported that parks are on a weekly mowing schedule, but staffing shortages (only 20 temporary hires vs. a typical 40-60) have led to delays. Weed control relies on pre-emergent applications and healthy turf. Councilor Rogers suggested exploring cross-program opportunities with the Better Way Forward program to fill vacancies.

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:30 PM.